Flash Fiction - Part 1- Introduction

Hi everyone, and here for your viewing pleasure is Part 1 - Introduction.

Please become acquainted with Alegra and Alex, two young 30-somethings that are about to take a wild ride this fall. Hey who knows, you might see more of them.

And now I give you their....Introduction
______________
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

There he is, studying his material without paying attention to the world around him. Any moment they’ll call my name and I’ll have to speak the truth. The truth about him, how much I want him. Will he understand? Do I want him to? Too long I have wanted this opportunity.

“Alegra, please come up!”

Taking my time, I walk to the front. Exposed, unsure, but I have your attention. Your eyes lock on me. Hello, my heart pounds to you, my name is Alegra. I'm too hot beyond measure. And then there is the signal to start the burn, the wild fire that will consume me, a lightning bolt cracking overhead.

A storm is coming. I can feel it in the air around me, and within me. I can smell it in the air as I close my eyes and take a deep breath. Something about a thunderstorm, its strength is undeniable. There’s a mysterious underlying danger, exciting. When it rains, something inside flashes and ignites. An awakening, a stirring. The same I’m getting with you.

The sound is music to my ears. Sensuous, haunting and overpowering. The power, just as your inner dominant strength, frightening yet alluring, seductive, and bewitching. First starting out soft, gentle then the power builds, slowly into an upsurge of emotions. Without any signal, any warning, it comes down at a feverish pace. Cascading down. Harder. Faster. The harder it falls, the louder it gets.

My spirit is too wild, too untamed. Yet you wanted to break me in, mold me to your whims, to your body. I feel it, know it. I’m defiant and rebellious, a feral fire that will burn you if you get too close. But you’re not scared of me; you’re not frightened by the flame.

I don’t know when it started exactly. When I wanted you like this, but the pounding lust to feel you inside my body. The wanting, the aching has always been there. The pressure pushing against the walls of my pussy. Their spasms demanding. They need the other half of the puzzle, they need that piece that tells them everything is alright. Its anxiety, its nervousness. Its frustration. An annoyance like a humid day without a cool breeze, a knife cutting into warm butter. And just as hot, I can feel you enter me. Enter my mind, and soon in time, my body. Strong and sure deep into my core, I acquiesce and warmth beyond comprehension, the valley of liquid heat coats and gives me temporary relief.

To say I can feel you all around me, is weak. The truth is much better than that, its pure ecstasy. And I can see now, in your eyes you know the truth. You can see what I’m thinking. The sensation, shivering cold, is a reality I don’t want. I want singeing nerves, tingling them in excitement. I want this take over; I want you to conquer me, take command of my body, and exert your power. Place yourself where you belong, right there where its heat and sensuality. Where it’s carnal and pure. Don’t stop; not even when I beg you. Sate this hunger inside me; inside us quickly. Before it burns us alive

The audience cheers deafen anything I could say as I finish my introduction to you. But the smile tells me more. I look to you once again, and see you approach. Stepping off the stage, my nerves dance past exhaustion. You only say five words, but I already know it’s the flicker starting the blaze.

“Hi, my name is Alex.”

How do you like your menage?

I'm writing my first full-length m/f/m menage. So far so good, but I thought I'd ask some of you to weigh in on what you like to see when you read m/f/m. Besides LOADS of sex. LOL!

Do you like an HEA with two of the characters or with all three? Or is happy for now, enough?

Do you like for the heroine to favor one of the men more than the other, or do you like for her to be crazy about them both for different reasons? What about the men? Do you like a little competition between them? Do you like for one to be more of a voyeur? Or one more alpha than the other?

Do you like to see them cross swords, or do you prefer a strict m/f/m where the men don't touch at all?

What's your favorite menage position???? Do they need to be yogis to pull it off? LOL!

Do you see where I'm going with this? There are so many options when you throw an extra person into the mix. And frankly, I think the scenes in my book will end up being written however the characters' personalities demand that they be written. I'm not trying to plan any of them ahead of time. I'll let them come naturally, but I like to know what other people like to see so that I can play up or play down different aspects if I need to.

Thanks for the input!

Wendi Darlin
www.wendidarlin.blogspot.com
www.wendidarlin.com

The Sagat Revenge

Hi Everyone,

Almost every couple I know has a spoken agreement - mostly in jest, but clearly understood - that given the chance to bed some famous person of their fantasies, they get a free pass.
My partner and I have never discussed a Freebie List. I didn't think we needed one. We're still in that red-hot new phase...or we were until, as I blogged the other day he told me he was crazy about the character Jack on the Torchwood series.
Jack, he said, kisses with his whole body.
Well, since there seems to be only one guy on his Freebie List I suppose I could have taken it in good stride but I am A Greek-Australian man. That means, I think like an Australian, but my emotions are Greek. Gay Greek.
I needed revenge. "Oh, no, A.J," my partner moaned. "I am not watching Rock Hudson and Doris Day movies. I've seen 'em all...I-"
I laughed in his face. No, Rock and Doris weren't going to cut the mustard this time. I needed a real man to give my partner something to think about.
I needed The Sagat Revenge.
If you haven't heard of the French gay porn superstar or seen him in action, then you haven't lived. A Youtube video has surfaced of him recently, kissing a woman but there's no question the guy is gay. And yet, even kissing a woman, fully clothed, he is damned hot. Well, partially clothed. For Sagat, underpants are practically formal wear.
A casual check on the Internet will show you this guy is Freaky (his word, not mine). He has the craziest blog in history. Loads of hot photos and inexplicable videos. Weird music. Very few words on the page and most of them seem self-loathing. Oh, and he does not allow reader comments.
So, he's definitely out there and seems to revel in simultaneously being naked, then skewering his own image. You can't Google any article or photo shoot with him where he doesn't start ripping his clothes off and touching his bottom.
But I digress.
"Oh no," my partner moaned. "Not Sagat."
Yeah, Sagat. And since it was my choice and I couldn't choose, we had an entire Sagat night, the Best Of Francois Sagat volumes 1-3.
My partner of course was intrigued. "Let me get this straight. He shaved his head because he was balding and he tattooed the hair that's on his head now?"
Yep, got it.
"I'm not thinking I get the Sagat thing," my French-Canadian man said finally. "Maybe I should watch that one scene I liked...you know, the one in the living room with all the antiques...just for research purposes."
In my case, revenge was sweet.
But the Freebie List in most cases is just that, sweet. It fuels bedroom fun. A couple of days ago, a female friend who has a Freebie List called to tell me her husband was working on a TV series with the actress who tops his Freebie List.
"What if she likes him?" she asked me. My friend's husband is one hot tamale. I mean, HOT.
"Erm...well, maybe she's gay?" I suggested helpfully and my friend shrieked.
"She's going to want him!" she fretted. "Why, oh why, did I suggest a free pass? I'm tearing up those goddam freebie lists." I could hear the rustling of paper and lots of shredding.
"You've got an actual list?" I asked.
"Yeah," she panted and the ripping continued.
"How long is it?"
"Mine is two pages long." Two pages! "His list has five names. Four of them are hers."
I had to cover the mouthpiece so she wouldn't hear me laughing.
"Not funny, A.J. I can hear you." My friend sounded a bit down. "What do I do?"
What we did was this. Yesterday, I drove her to Fredericks of Hollywood, bought her some very nasty underwear and we moved on to the Pleasure Chest for a tub of Honey Dust and some naughty toys.
"I've never seen anything like this," she kept saying and I took her home, set the mood with candles and music and a good bottle of wine and I left her to wait for her husband after covering her whole body in the Honey Dust. I instructed her on how to use it on her husband and left her lying on the bed. Waiting.
I was starting to worry that maybe her husband might have a heart attack when he walked into the room, but my fantasy is to die fucking, so I decided it might be his, too.
I took her kids out for pizza and a movie and by the time I called to check if the coast was clear, my friend was purring.
"We're going to start calling this our Sagat Revenge," she giggled. "My hubby says he could get used to this."
Who needs a freebie list when you've got Revenge?
Aloha oe,

AJ

It's that time of year! To costume or not to costume?

Fall is here(my favorite time of year) so I'm getting into the spirit of things. In a little over a month it will be time for Halloween, and please don't think I can't participate because I'm an adult. I always take the kids trick or treating and this weekend is our yearly trip to the store to buy costumes(yes I dress up too) I'm having a dilemma with my costume shopping this year. By now I usually know what I want to dress up as but the costume catalogue this year is just too full of fun for me to decide. I may have to go a bit conservative since the hubby and I have been invited to a party hosted by his work place(we'll see. Usually Halloween and conservative are two words that should never be seen together) I'm still high on my newest release as well, A Little Taste of Red, which is an adult twist on the little red riding hood story so I might have to find myself a little gingham dress and a red cape and go looking for a wolf of my own this Halloween. ^_^

Do you dress up or decorate or both? If so leave me a comment and tell me all about it.
Beth Wylde
Born 2 B. Wylde
www.bethwylde.com

Exciting and Frightening News

You know, it's always cool to get great news. I liked receiving the information about the MSA Endless Romance Contest. I loved getting that email offering a contract for my first book. But I think I have finally reached the coronary level with the news I received earlier this month. Since I'm blogging about it nearly three weeks after receiving it, you can rightfully assume I'm still trying to believe it.


It took me several minutes to process the email message and when I did, all I could think was--"Holy Shit! What was I thinking!?" For me, the email was both enlightening and terrifying at the same time--especially for an author who has only released two e-books and her third is waiting in the wings at Loose Id, LLC to come out in December.


My news?


Well, it seems the PTB (Powers That Be) at Romantic Times Book Club and Dorchester Publishing have determined that my romantic suspense novel, In A Lover's Silence, is good enough to make the list of finalists in the American Title V contest. EEK!


Now, for those of you not familiar with American Title, it is a writing contest in the same vein as American Idol, in that there are three judges from Romantic Times Book Club who will be judging the rounds of competition and the public will also be given an opportunity to participate in selecting a winner. Judging begins in January.


The prize? The winning novel will be published by Dorchester Publishing.


Now, do you understand what I mean by coronary inducing? I've been so freaked out even my inner editor has been quiet for the last three weeks!


Wish me luck and be prepared to vote in January--I'll be begging for the support, you can bet on it!


Have a great day all.
Qwillia

A Venetian Rhapsody

by Angela Guillaume


About three weeks ago I flew to Venice, Italy, with my mom and a friend. It was the first time I’d seen Italy in about 11 years—a place which, I’m always happy to say, feels like home to me. What prompted me on this visit? Book research. Of course, I needed a break, but I could have taken that anywhere. Yet, researching my story suddenly became paramount to me, although in the process I got so much more than I bargained for

Our fantastic, low fare, Ryan Air plane landed in Italy’s Treviso Airport around 10pm and took the bus into Venice, which stopped us in Piazzale Roma, not far from the train station. From there, we hopped onto Venice’s chosen mode of transportation (besides the traghetti or gondola ferries) – the vaporetto - to the San Marco stop. This is a sort of ferry boat or bus which travels up and down the Grand Canal and the basin around Venice. It does not venture into the small, narrow canals which cannot welcome a large boat in their depths.

I had visited Venice for a day a long time ago, when I was still a child. For all intents and purposes, this was my first time. Soon after 11pm, I caught my first close up glimpse of The Queen of the Adriatic, or La Serenissima, as the locals love to call this magnificent city.


I cannot describe how I felt when I first stepped onto St. Mark Square at night and beheld the gothic-style basilica looming ahead. My breath caught in my chest and as cliché as this sounds it is hard not to feel humbled when one comes upon such a sight. Close to midnight on a weeknight then, it was empty and quiet with the last strings of a live orchestra echoing faintly though it from the outside area of one of the old cafés. As we crossed the wide expanse, we saw that the number of lingering patrons could be counted on barely more than one hand. The ground was wet, the air humid. My skin felt clammy but I didn't care.

It was magic.


It didn’t take us long to find our centrally located hotel—Hotel Ai Do Mori, which is to be found inside a 15th century palazzo in Calle San Marco—although we did do a couple of wrong turns in the maze of alleys which Venice is famous for. On the next day we discovered just how close to the square we were (past the Basilica into the arch adorned by the large blue clock with the Moors on top striking the hour - called "Do Mori"). At night, it would be easy to miss the hotel’s nondescript entrance right next door to the city’s only McDonalds. So late at night the restaurants were closed and there was sparse activity going on. Woe unto us—we had to lug our luggage up three steep and narrow flights of stairs as the hotel has no elevator. Toward the end of our stay, we were told to ask for the Annex which is entirely on the first floor but only contains rooms for two people (no triples or quadruples). This hotel was fairly priced when compared to the others, and is one of several boutique hotels we considered after stumbling on an article on Venice budget hotels published in UK’s Telegraph. It was also very clean and we specified our need for a private bathroom beforehand (this is always advisable). Only downside: the hotel had no restaurant, but we did take cereal and a mini coffee machine with us which proved absolutely invaluable! Breakfast is not a big thing there and if one happens to find a place which offers a hearty one, it will probably be extremely expensive.

This is the first of a series of blogs where I will be detailing all (or most) of the interesting aspects of my week long stay in Venice. I hope that you will do me the honor of visiting my blog each week to learn about my trip. Each blog will take care of a day, in consecutive fashion, until the day of our departure.

John Berendt described Venice as a city that is “easy to visit and hard to know.” And after a week there I truly understand what he meant by that statement. This is the home of canals, dark alleyways, and long held secrets. The Venetians are nothing like the rest of the Italians. The “municipality” mentality still seems to reign there – it is as though they still cannot accept the idea of being forever linked to the rest of the mainland and letting go of their independence. They cannot see themselves as “just another Italian city.” Despite the fact that the last Doge lost his power upon Napoleon’s advent in 1797, and the Republic of Venice was, from then on, no more, their pride survives—somewhat nicked in some respects, yet, still intact.

Venetians are resentful of the constant influx of tourists to their shore. Although they know that tourism is essential to their survival, they also know what it is doing to their beloved soil—the millions of new faces the city welcomes each year are slowly, but surely, enabling its destruction. Venice sinks a little bit more each year. One day in the future, it will be completely underwater… either that or the whole city east of the area of Dorsoduro (and the Grand Canal) will cave in. This being because of the fact that this part of Venice is built entirely on wood, not on solid soil/ground, as is Dorsoduro (literal translation: hard back). In the meantime, Venice is undoubtedly a tourist trap, but it is so many more things if one knows where to look. Sparks of irritation at this set up are inevitable, but the pouting won't last for long. One cannot but stay enamoured with it, like one may be of a capricious yet undeniably loyal lover. A close relationship with Venice would be a complex one made of constant highs and lows. It is, quite simply, incomparable to anything else I've ever seen, felt, and tasted. It is nothing more and nothing less than Venice.

As a side note - One of the things which struck me most is that Venice is definitely a dog-friendly city. Dogs are allowed anywhere and everywhere. Even in the posh cafés and restaurants. The locals are sometimes more tolerant of our four legged friends than they are to humans. Residents are mostly polite and very helpful. Wait staff in restaurants are a hit and miss. As is the food. More to come later.

For my historical romance novel, I decided to research an area which signified darkness, loss of dignity and dread in the lives of many Venetians – the years of Austrian occupation in the 1820's. The information I found in my research I know I could never have found on the internet, and I’m grateful for that. Again, I hope that you will stay with me as I log my experiences in Venice on a weekly basis.

I feel so very lucky for being able to do this and can safely say that this was an experience I will never forget. You will see why.

I say, see Venice and die...

That said, I’d like to ask…what would you do, or how far would you go, to research a book if you had your rathers?

One of the Girls

One of the Girls
By Sascha Illyvich

Hello Readers,

I’m a male romance writer; I’ve lately come to terms with making no bones about that! But I recently had a realization about not only my writing career but about the friends in my life. As the old cliché goes, I tend to have more female friends (to my significant other’s chagrin!) than male ones. Most men irritate me honestly and even though I’m quite the man’s man (I can camp, cook, talk tech, money) I don’t do cars much. A very Loved One of mine is into fixing cars, like my brother. Now she and I are also into guns and swords and things like that, and if a bunch of us went out partying one night, she’d be “one of the guys.”

Sounds fine, right? No big deal.

Now turn the tables. Let’s say I’ve been invited to go out with the girls and we have a good time. Everything’s above board, right? Conversation starts and I have a LOT to say, as I’m sure you can imagine.

Of course when it comes to guy things, I’m the “resident guy” obviously. But the thing is, I don’t hold your average man’s opinion. I’m a little more sympathetic in some cases, a lot less in others. And when in larger groups I tend to bond more with women.

The realization hit me that I might be “one of the girls.”

Not every woman in my life knows I cross dress. In fact there are a few who are downright frightened at how good I look in women’s lingerie! That aside though (Tess has pictures!) the thought kind of unnerved me.

Mostly because I’m a man, I suppose. I never really thought about it. My girlfriends tell me I’m not as disgusting or cruel as typical men. I’ll admit it; I’m actually a bit of a neat freak. I hate the fact that I have to let go of cleaning my studio once a week in favor of writing. It bugs me.

But I wear my facial hair neat. I shower daily. I don’t burp or fart in public for the entire world to hear. I like to think that dressing nice is for me as much as it is for anyone I’m with. I tend to give advice to other women about their male problems and my advice tends to usually make sense.

If that makes me “one of the girls” so be it, I suppose. Of course it also makes me privy to shit I don’t always want to know. I don’t think most women need me to explain that one…

I ask my two friends who are pregnant about their babies, when they’re due and I try to remember those dates. Not so much for any other reason than to give them support, because I’m generally too busy to really get into details, but I tend to remember a LOT of details even when I’m not trying.

I told my best friend of almost 18 years that I think I’m one of the girls and she said “Dear, did you just figure this out?” I’m not kidding! I have the text message on my phone to prove it!

I’ll admit, I am kind of obsessed over my hair. It’s just above my hips but I want it longer and thicker and to not have split ends. That’s not because I’m girly, it’s because I label myself a metalhead. And not one of those fru-fru 1980’s bullshit spandex pansies, either. (Fact is, my hair looks really good and I LIKE it long!)

I have a pension for female metal, my latest obsession is a band from Norway called Sirenia. Before that, it was Tristania (actually the same band) but they have death/black metal elements in their symphonic/gothic styles that I dig. I still intend to base a heroine off Angela Gascow from Arch Enemy. (Gotta love that death growl!) Before that, I was (and still am) obsessed with Cristina from Lacuna Coil. Her voice just makes me want to fuck…

See? That’s a male response! I like to think of myself as very secure in who I am. Even if I’m not sure that peach is my color…

So what say you, ladies? Any of your male friends involved in such a manner in your lives that you could classify them as “one of the girls?” How do they feel about it?

Many Hats

Authors wear many hats, we all know that. But, like an insane fool, I've added another hat to my collection and it's meant a serious re-shuffling of the balancing act.

Under the Moon is re-launching in October, with two wonderful new books, and has commited to releasing 2-4 books a month. So, I'm now reading through submissions, edits, working with my husband, Sam to get cover art done and all the good stuff that comes with that.

Now, that's eating into my writing time - no suprise there, but I'm still working on books to submit to various companies, and I've got three small NY releases coming up in the next six months.

You'd think with the stories I write, that Under the Moon would be a romance/erotic romance house but it isn't. We're connected with the role-playing game industry so we're looking at stories that appeal to gamers. That doesn't mean a story can't have a romance thread, or erotic elements, but those can't be the primary elements in the story.

If you're interested, feel free to take a look. We're an odd little company because all of the stories go into print, even the shorts.

http://www.underthemoon.org/submissions.html

Well, back to the juggling act. I've got final read through edits to do on our first Alternative History novel - To Moscow with Bony - A Liverpool Man's Tale.

How about a little Pleasure After The Pain???

I have always been fascinated by tattoos...Why you might ask?

I think it's because it is a great form of expression, and the fact that a person puts themselves through the pain for expression is something amazing.

I have wanted a tattoo since I was a teenager. I had always planned on getting one and just kept putting it off. I wasn't scared. It was just the fact that I liked too many tattoos. I also wanted to have something different. I know many people have a rose or a animal and it's something very common.

I wanted the perfect tattoo.... I have seen some pretty amazing tattoos. Just a few weeks ago while I was at a signing for my fave author I met a girl who had a full back tattoo of a magical tree with fairies sitting on it. The tattoo had faces on the tree and spanned all the way down her back and her legs. It was gorgeous....

I still plan on getting a tattoo I just have to make the time to go and find a good artist to do it.

I know people are fascinated by tattoos and the designs and I have asked people the types they have, but I still wonder...What appeals to you about a tattoo? Why did you get one if you do have one?

For me they are beautiful and express a person. They have a meaning that is special to each owner.

So why am I talking about tattoos? Well I have a new book out called Pleasure After The Pain from Red Rose Publishing and it's all about the pleasure a tattoo can bring to it's owner.

Here is a tease ...

What is your wildest fantasy about getting a tattoo? A night out on the town with a friend ends up bringing Serene to a tattoo parlor. There she discovers a tattoo that takes a hold of her. Something about it calls to her. Body art can bring pleasure to its owner but this tattoo brings more pleasure then Serena ever imagined. Will Serena's tattoo give her more pleasure than she could imagine or will it be a fleeting moment of pleasure after the pain?

You can buy it at Red Rose Publishing

Buy Now

Excerpt

Also, I'm throwing a huge Halloween Bash Oct 30Th. If you are an author and want to be a guest make sure to email me at savannah_chase_author@yahoo.com with Halloween Party 2 in the subject line...Last year it lasted 12 hrs and it was huge...

Savannah
Bestselling Author Of Romance & Erotica
http://www.savannahchase.com/
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/savannahchase/

How 'Bout An Erotic Regency?

I've always loved historical romances and I've finally written my first EROTIC regency. Made for Mischief was released this week by Resplendence Publishing. So if you love the sweeping romance of a time gone by along with a heavy dose of hot sex pick up a copy today.

Buy It Here!

Blurb:
All she really wanted was one naughty night before returning to her life as a sheltered country spinster! Crawling beneath a bed in London’s most notorious brothel was beyond the pale, even for known eccentric Arabella Spencer. Little did she imagine that lust, desire, and yes, love was just within her grasp.
When Grayson St. James, Lord Mercer, newly returned from fighting Napoleon, dragged a squirming, dusty bluestocking from beneath his bed, he was…well..aghast! She wanted adventure, did she? She wanted to learn about sex, did she? He was just the man to teach her!
As a vow of vengeance and a case of mistaken identity unite Grayson and Arabella in a common goal, the dour Lord Mercer finds himself laughing for the first time in longer than he can recall but will an unknown threat bring them together or tear their world apart?

Excerpt:

“Let us to bed, love,” he whispered reaching for the sash on her dressing gown.
Arabella jerked away quickly, her eyes widening. To his great surprise, she held up a hand to ward him off. “No. You must wait, my lord. You shall ruin everything if you do not do what I say.”
Do what she says? What? Grayson narrowed his eyes at her and frowned, but before he could utter a word, she took his arm in a death grip. “You must come with me, Grayson. Do you hear? You must do everything that I say.”
Stunned speechless, he let her drag him to a straight-backed chair. “Sit, my lord. Yes, that’s it. Right here.”
She had some great surprise planned, of that he was certain. If she wanted to order him about, he was curious enough to allow it. He sprawled into the chair and looked up at her. She was frowning. Her finger pointed in the direction of his nose. “Do not move.”
He fought to hide his grin, but failed miserably. Lifting his arms out from his side, he presented himself. “I am all yours, my sweet. Do you perhaps think to entertain me? I assure you; I am breathless with anticipation. Do your worst.”
Grayson found himself facing a discreet changing screen in a darkened corner of the room. She scowled at him and rushed behind it, leaving him to stare at the oriental style painting of peacocks with full feathers extended. Had he ever looked at this thing before? Hmm. Very pretty how the painted trees and flowers provided the perfect backdrop for the strutting creatures.
A soft curse came from behind the screen. Grayson shifted in his chair. He heard the rustle of fabric, a huff of breath. “You do not have to seduce me, love. I am all yours,” he called.
Another huff! A curse. “Damnation!”
Grayson chuckled, and then silence fell. Anticipation rose, and his thighs tightened. In the fireplace a log snapped and cracked in half, sending up a shower of tiny sparks. A sudden gust of wind snatched at the sheer curtains at the window, and they flapped once, softly, before settling back in place. He gritted his teeth, watching the blasted screen, as a predatory urge sank claws into his bones. At last, she broke the silence.
“Close your eyes.”
Grayson cursed roundly then obeyed. He felt her presence. She’d moved close enough to touch. Perhaps she was checking to see whether he’d followed her orders. He could smell her, and the scent was so enchanting he started to reach out, but then she moved away. Anticipation curled through his lungs to steal every bit of air. The sound of her rapid breathing reached his ears. He was dying, thought he might expire on the spot.
Passion ripped through him. Intense desire raged. Lust pounded a pagan tempo through his loins and still, the little seductress said not a word.
“All right,” she breathed. “You may open your eyes.”
Grayson opened them and stilled.
Arabella stood splashed against the peacock backdrop wearing a diaphanous gown of white. A clasp at one shoulder was the only thing holding the garment in place. He sucked in a breath at the display. Where had she found such a costume? The Grecian affair was utterly sheer, giving him tantalizing glimpses of her bare torso. Pink nipples pressed against the white veil. One bare arm was lifted up and out to rest against the top of the screen in a dramatic fashion.
He swallowed. She was beautiful.
The other hand was positioned down the front of her body in an attempt to shield the shadowy juncture of her thighs.
Grayson muttered a curse and sat up alertly. Every pore in his body screamed out for a touch, a taste. He damn near whimpered.
“Arabella?”
“No. I am not Arabella tonight. I am Aphrodite come to you to… blast it… do not move, Grayson. A moment please.”
She made a sound of disgust, jerked the spectacles from her face and dashed across the room. He almost swallowed his tongue. Her lovely breasts quivered with every step. When she turned to place the item upon the table at the base of the flower vase, he eyed her delicious little rump. The gossamer teased the firm, pale flesh, and his cock grew hard enough to pound stone. God!
She raced back to the screen with a huff and positioned herself once again. Gray waited. Watched. What would she do next?
“Well,” she began quickly, “As I was saying. I am Aphrodite sent here to please you, my lord.”
“And you have succeeded admirably.” It occurred to him to laugh, but he caught himself just in time. Laughter and lust… what a strange combination!

Hot Cops and Handcuffs!

I'm thrilled to announce that I have hot, new, contemporary romance out from Liquid Silver Books called Protective Custody! If you like books about guys that come with their own handcuffs, then you'll love this sexy story!

If you're familiar with my other books, then it's probably no surprise that I love to write about strong, sexy, alpha males, and Gray Beckham, the hero in Protective Custody is about as strong, sexy and alpha as they come!

Check out the synopsis and excerpt below to get an idea of what Protective Custody is all about. It has romance, adventure, humor, and obviously, lots of hot, steamy sex! I think you're going to love it!








Synopsis:

Paisley McCoy is a sexy reporter who writes about the San Francisco club scene for a local magazine. Having a dad on the force has led to one hard and fast rule – she doesn’t date cops. She likes her men sensitive and intellectual, two qualities in short supply in any cop she’s ever met. But now she’s stuck with this standard-issue cop – aggressive, opinionated, and sure he’s always right. In short, the complete opposite of the kind of man she usually goes for.



Gray Beckham is a no-nonsense cop who's peeved about being taken off a major burglary investigation to babysit the captain’s bratty daughter, even if she is gorgeous. To make it even more annoying, she acts like the whole thing is a joke and insists she doesn’t need his protection. And while she might be sexy as hell, there’s no way he’s going anywhere near the captain’s daughter.



Despite their differences, though, Paisley and Gray can’t deny the chemistry between them. But as that connection turns into romance, they find out that the stalker is a far greater threat than they had originally thought. And that if he can’t have her, no one will.






Read an Excerpt!



Watch the Trailer!



Buy it at Liquid Silver Books!

For more of my sexy erotiuc fiction, visit my website at http://www.paigetylertheauthor.com

And to join my mailing list to receive my newsletter, email me at paigetyler@paigetylertheauthor.com with "add me to your mailing list in the subject line!

*hugs*
Paige



"Stories so hot, they'll make your cheeks blush!"

Visit Alaska, today. Come for the scenery and stay for the romance!

Travel down picturesque rivers where every inlet is stocked with adventure and just maybe the man of your dreams. If you want a change from your run-of-the mill vacation, Alaska has just what you’re looking for. Don’t believe us. Listen to this testimonial from a satisfied, and do we mean satisfied resident.

Linnet Greenbriar (Alaskan Fish and Game biologist): Who knew taking a job on the isolated Alaskan Yukon River could land me the man of my dreams. I’d hoped the remote area would keep me away from men who were fishing for something more than salmon for as long as possible. Man, was I shocked to find a handsome stranger on the riverbank. It was the last thing I expected to see. All my hopes for peace and quiet changed when a mishap sent me falling into the river and also into the arms of the man of my dreams.

Not to leave out the men in our Alaskan vacation to romance package:

Creed Willis: Sometimes you just find yourself in the wrong place at the right time. When I planned my getaway I never thought I’d become a self-appointed hero. One look at Linnet and how could I resist rescuing the beautiful Fish and Game girl from the icy river? After all who wants a little peace and solitude, when true love stares you in the face? Let me tell you, one look at this city girl had me changing my tune.

With testimonials like that, what are you waiting for?

Visit beautiful Alaska, today. Come for the scenery and stay for the romance!

Disclaimer from the Alaskan Tourist Board: We cannot guarantee sex in bathtubs filled with water from natural hot springs, but we can promise the moose won’t mind watching.

Advisory from the Alaska Department of Fish and Game: Please close all curtains when having sex in the wild. It upsets the wildlife. A sudden migration of the local moose population was noted by the department of the interior. Upon investigation the cause was tracked to a small cabin on the Yukon.

Biologist Linnet Greenbriar reported she had no idea what sparked the sudden migration, stating she'd been in the cabin the whole time and saw nothing out of the ordinary. Further interviews with people in the area, namely a fisherman named Creed, substantiated Greenbriar's findings. When our agents went back for a follow up on the initial investigation we were shocked to find a moose peeping tom in the vicinity of the cabin. The agents working the case wouldn't divulge their findings but were heard giggling by the water cooler. This sudden migration is as yet unexplained, but a curious side note. After the migration, the moose population skyrocketed with over a 50% increase in young born the following spring. Draw your conclusions but keep the curtains pulled tight. You never know who or what might be watching.

CHINOOK, WINE AND SINK HER

Also available at Kindle and Mobi Pocket

Genre: Romance/Contemporary
Print ISBN: 978-0-9818905-7-9
Length: Super Novel
Digital Price: $6.50
Digital Publication: September 15, 2008
Print Publication: March 2009
Cover art by Renee Rocco

Morgan Q. O'Reilly
Get Some Tonight
Webpage: http://morganqoreilly.com/
Blogs: http://themorgandiaries.blogspot.com/
http://lyricalpress.blogspot.com/
MySpace: http://www.myspace.com/morganqoreilly
http://www.myspace.com/themorgandiaries
Forums: http://www.lyricalpress.yuku.com/
http://www.coffeetimeromance.com/board

From Lyrical Press http://www.blogger.com/www.lyricalpress.com
Frozen ~ Where Ice is Hot

Chinook Wine and Sink Her ~ Love on the Yukon

Heartache and Healing

“I can’t get over it.” Chicago Prosecuting Attorney Traci Steele has convinced herself she’ll never recover from a teenage trauma, so she works tirelessly keeping rapists off the street to prevent other women from suffering the hell she’s endured. Even though she’s close to burnout, she resists her friends’ insistence that she take a two month R&R in their California Live Oak condo—until they persuade her to help their rancher friend as a private investigator.

Though he runs the stables at Live Oak, well-muscled mustached wrangler Scott McCord much prefers working with the race horses he trains at his ranch, and he can’t believe his old friends have sent a greenhorn female to help him with horse troubles.

The improbable dance between this mismatched pair barely fits in around the escalating suspense of whoever’s after Scott’s horses. Traci is as tenacious in her sleuthing as she is panicked about her inability to ever love a man, but Scott sets out to gentle her as skillfully as he does his horses.

Sometimes a novel comes straight from the heart, and it means so much more when a reviewer connects. Angi at Night Owl Romance gave Detour Ahead a Top Pick!!

“This is a story about letting go of your past so you can move on to your future. It is a story about letting go of being the victim and becoming a survivor. ...Add into this touching story of recovery a mystery that will keep you guessing to the very end and you’ve got a story you won’t be able to put down. Traci and Scott must both face what has been keeping them from true happiness while trying to solve the mystery of who would want to ruin Scott’s reputation and livelihood and injure innocent animals. In the process of solving the mystery they discover not only the road to recovery but a deep and profound love, a love that helps heal them both.”

My wish for all who’ve suffered abuse and trauma is a healer as gentle as Scott - and the courage to reach out for help. Aphrodite Moustakis’ powerful 1996 book I Can’t Get Over It is still the benchmark for healing from trauma, and she followed it up in 2003 with The Rape Recovery Handbook. Healing doesn’t have to wait for the hero to show up.

Detour Ahead - coming November 7 2008 to Awe-Struck!!

Amanda Burns
http://www.amandaburnsromance.com

Seasons

I feel so alive at this time of year that I have to bore everyone with my rants. LOL You’re probably wondering what I’m talking about. We’re just on the threshold of fall where I’m located. My favorite of all four seasons.

I can’t wait until the trees begin changing colors. Vibrant reds, brilliant oranges and golden yellows with a sprinkling of green leaves that haven’t changed yet dot the landscape for as far as the eye can see. If you stand back and gaze off in the distance, the forest looks almost like an artist captured its beauty on canvas.

Winter comes in second for my choice on seasons. I love the snow making everything look pure and crystal clean. Once the snowplows attack the snow cleaning the roadways, the pristine look is gone. All you have is a big pile of slush.

Next comes the springtime. This is a great time, as well, with new buds sprouting and flowers shooting up out of the ground in an array of colors. Everything looks fresh coming to life.

I hate to say that summer is not one of my favorite seasons. The humidity makes it so uncomfortable. If I could live in an area with only three seasons, I’d be the happiest person alive.

I’ll end this blog with this question. What is your favorite season?

Be sure and check out the blog next month. Some of the authors at MSA will post Fall Flashers during the month of October. Fall Flashers are short stories of 500 words or less. I’ll post mine along with the rest of Midnight Seduction Author’s. I’ve read a few of the stories and they are entertaining.

Mary Suzanne

http://www.mary-suzanne.blogspot.com

http://www.webspawner/users/romancewriter/index.html

Legends as Inspiration

Isn't this the most amazing picture? I love myths and legends. Heck, I live in Georgia and wanted to run out and look for Big-foot along with ten thousand other rednecks. I love finding old legends and weaving them into my stories. 

I'm working on a manuscript right now with a cowgirl theme and I've found a wonderful old piece of history that most don't know to use as the foundation of the story. 

Today my mind wanders to mermaids...

I am a creature of Fey,

Prepare to give your soul away. 

My spell is passion and it is art, 

My song can blind a human heart.

And if you chance to know my face,

My hold shall be your last embrace.

Author Unknown

How that poem inspires and enthralls me. When my muse decides our other work is complete I may have to read this again- and write a novel that includes a sexy, erotic mermaid! What kind of things inspire you? And please tell me about your favorite legend...

Kissa Starling, www.kissastarling.com, author of Search for the Brown Boobies- a short story released in August 2008 as part of the Island Girls anthology published by Alyson Books.

Happy B-day to Me!

Well my birthday isn't till the 21st, but I'm going to use this as a shameless promo for my b-day party & contest

Jade's Birthday Bash!!
Sept 22nd I'll be holding a party here on the yahoo group.

I'll also be announcing the winner of the Birthday Bash Contest.
To enter check out the banner on my yahoo group's home page. Then go to my website to find the answer and email it to me @ jadetwilight13@gmail.com

The prize...
your choice of any of my releases or a copy of Mistress of Tiethla when it's released next month.

Pets As Plot Devices

Summer is almost to a close, so I wanted to talk about one of my short stories in my anthology "Summer Heat: Steaming Stories For A Hot Summer Afternoon". It's called "The Wandering Kat", and it's a tale of an older woman Kat whose ornery kitty Oreo brings her together with her younger and very sexy neighbor, Lance. I wanted to talk about how the love a pet can bring people together, especially in romantic stories.

I am a cat lover. Every day I am surrounded by my five little monkeyheads, and they want petting, playtime, and food. Oreo in my story is based on one of my cats, also named Oreo, and she has wanderlust just as bad as the Oreo in the story. Now, she spends her days lolling on the windowsill, watching everything that happens outside. The scruffy little kitty pictured at the top of the page is my cat, Oreo. She always looks pissed off, but she's just fine. She also loves to sit around with her tongue hanging out of her mouth.

I think that pets make great plot devices for fiction, especially romances. Pets even rule over lovers, according to a new survey. When asked whether they would prefer to be stranded on a deserted island with their pet or their lover, more than two thirds of those surveyed chose Fido or Fluffy over that person who snores next to them in bed every night.

While not a romance writer, SF writer Robert Heinlein was well-known for his love of cats. Petronius The Arbiter, otherwise known as "Pete", was an important character in his book "The Door Into Summer". I laughed when I read the part in the book that explained the title. Pete would wander around the house, begging to be let out of each door that lead to bad weather, hoping that one of those doors would be the Door Into Summer. I had a cat that did the exact same thing. He was a Snowshoe named Koala, and when it was raining, he would whine by the front door to go outside. I'd open the door, he'd take one look at the rain, and come back into the house. Then, he would immediately run to the back door, and whine to go outside. Silly cat, it's raining just as hard behind the house as it was in front if it! I understood Pete all too well.

The 1996 romantic comedy "The Truth About Cats And Dogs" was about how the love of a cherished pet could lead to romance. Dr. Abby Barnes hosts her own radio talk show called "The Truth About Cats And Dogs", and she gives her sage advice to people who want to talk about their pets. Her on-air voice and personality are so soothing to one of her fans named Brian that he falls for her. The problem is that Abby, insecure about her looks (she thinks she's plain), talks her gorgeous, statuesque, blonde best friend Noelle into posing as her with Brian. It's a move right out of Cyrano de Bergerac. Abby woes Brian over the phone while Noelle, posing as Abby, meets with Brian. While Brian talks to Abby on the air about his problems with his dog, she gives him her best advice, but she can't keep up the charade forever. Even though their love for pets brought them together, the subterfuge could drive them apart. This is a delightful little movie about how the love of pets brings on true love.

Kat in my story "The Wandering Kat" is a rather shy older woman who has had a crush on her luscious neighbor Lance for a long time, but she never mustered up the courage to approach him for more than a little small talk. When Oreo got out and scooted into Lance's yard, doing her usual "Catch Me If You Can" kitty game, Kat finally got the courage to talk to Lance for more than a few precious seconds. Lance even volunteered to look for Oreo with her! Be still her beating heart!

If you haven't bought "Summer Heat" yet, it's not too late. Buy it at Fictionwise, ARE, or at eXcessica: Buy "Summer Heat" Now!

Bad Boys Make You Go Ahhh

You know what I’m talking about. Those Bad Ass Boys who make you go ahhh. We’ve all been there done that! Some of us more than others. God knows I’ve had my share and no matter how Bad they get, I still love them.

I love writing about those Bad Boys too. My Gabriel’s Ride Series is all about the baddest of ‘em all…Gabriel. This Bad Boy rides into town, sweeps a gal off her feet and changes her. For better or worse? I guess it’s like beauty-- all in the eye of the beholder. And in my opinion, Gabe is one beautiful man.

Bad Boys are cocky and arrogant. Infinitely masculine with an unmistakable wildness about them. They literally ooze confidence. They’re like a dose of oysters and chocolate—a walkin’ talkin’ Love Machine.

And they’re untrustworthy and have commitment issues.

So why do we find them so irresistible? I did a little checking and there are some very logical reasons behind our insatiable desire for Bad Boys.

Some research actually indicates that it may very well be physiological. Just as nature provided us with sexual desire to ensure survival of the species, it’s entirely possible that our attraction is primal when it comes to Bad Boys. Our bodies seek superior males of the species with which to mate and produce our offspring. And I’m going to make an assumption here. That superiority must be on a purely physical level because trust and commitment need to figure into the mix somewhere when looking for father material.

From a psychological standpoint we may attribute our attraction to our hidden desire to throw caution to the wind and risk everything. And with Bad Boys that includes our heart. Think about our fascination with those oh so sexy vampires, werewolves and swashbuckling pirates. Bloodsuckers, flesh eaters and thieves! And yet we absolutely salivate as we turn the pages of those sizzling romances don’t we? I’m just as guilty as all the rest of you!

Then there is this. It’s our low self-esteem that makes us seek out those Bad Boys. Me? Low self esteem? Get a clue!

To sum it up…
It really makes no difference what the reasoning is. Who needs a reason? Bad Boys are here to stay. And I for one am truly grateful. YUMMY!

Stop by The Authors Studio Blog tomorrow to read my interview with bad boy Gabriel Storm from my Gabriel's Ride Series. Book I and II now on sale at Freya's Bower. But watch out--He'll make you sweat!

Endings that make you go hmm...

I’ve been reading a lot lately, and I’ve come across something that really bugs me—odd endings!



There are certain things I’ve come to expect from a romance ending. In real life, I’m horribly cynical, but a good romance ending leaves usually me with an “all’s right in the world” feeling.



Several of the books I’ve read lately have left me feeling more “hmm…” than happy.
So what do I mean by odd endings? Well, here are a few examples: one story cut off abruptly almost like it didn’t really have an ending, another left me scratching my head, not really sure what had happened, a third was so saccharine I couldn’t suspend disbelief, and the worst offender of all left me feeling depressed rather than pleased.


I don’t expect every story I read (or write, for that matter) to have a perfect happily-ever-after. Sometimes happily-for-now is just as satisfying, or feels more real. Sometimes the book is a series book and can end in a bit of a cliffhanger—although being impatient, I’m not a huge fan of those endings. A perfect ending fits the story and characters, and leaves the reader with a satisfying final impression of the story.


What do you like to see in romance endings? Does it always have to be HEA, or are you content with HFN?


What bugs you? What do you see as clichéd, or on the flip side, underused?





Cassandra Gold

Hit by Love and Alpha, Omega now available from Torquere Press!
Fantasies: New Year’s Eve and Fantasies: Independence Day now available from Red Rose Publishing!
http://www.cassandragold.com/
http://www.myspace.com/cassandragold
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/cassandra_gold/

Sexual Positions…

Oh yes, hehehhe, C has big grins on her face.

After reading or writing about a position, do you say “Hey honey, can we try this?” Not only to see if it’s fun *grins* but to see if it can really be done.

Yeppers, sometimes, I find myself writing about a scene, and then, it just doesn’t make any sense when I reread it.
Like, is it possible for him to rub that while in this position, and keep doing the hunka hunka like he is? *cupping hands to mouth*
“HONEY, I need you, we have research!!” Hehehe *Eyebrows wiggling*


How about the Karma Sutra? I haven’t had the pleasure of cracking that open…yet, but have read Cosmo, and every now and then, they toss in some sweet positions to try out. Some I just look at and ask, ‘do I need yoga before trying this?’

So what about you…do you read or write that scene, squint and say, ‘huh, it sounds plausible, but can his hand be doing this while he’s doing that, or vise versa?’

We're Talking Menage!

Yesterday, I was having a conversation with a fellow writer and she brought up a subject that's of interest to a lot of erotic romance lovers. Menage. This sub-genre seems to have taken over the erotic romance world, especially in e-publishing. And who could be surprised? Three-in-a-bed is hot, very hot! There are so many different scenarios to try out, so many different relationships to explore, so many mindblowing orgasms to enjoy :)

While we were chatting, my writer friend asked me what my favorite combination in a menage is, i.e. m/f/m, m/m/f, f/m/f, etc. I thought about the question but I honestly couldn't give an answer. To be honest, I love it all and I've read some wonderful books in each combination.

The first menage I read was The Arrangement by Emma Wildes. It was f/f/m and extremely sexy. The characters were well-drawn and the menage made sense within the story. Reading this inspired me to write my own f/f/m which is currently in the first draft stage.

And then there was Battered Not Broken by Celia Kyle which features some seriously hawt action between one woman and three brothers. (no touching between the brothers, just to be clear).

Of course, I can't leave out the m/m/f. Tawny Taylor's Double Take is a great example of this. I love to have a little m/m action in my books :)

So what's your pick? If you're a writer of menages, what combination do you write? And if you've never read a menage before, go buy one!

Before I go, since we're talking about menages, be sure to check out my werewolf menage Beauty and the Beasts which releases from Loose Id on September 30th.

Have a great September everyone!

Ava

Available Now at Cobblestone Press- The Vampire Oracle: Power

A vampire's promise lasts forever...

Website ~ Blog ~ MySpace ~ Yahoo Group

Is it fall yet?

Sorry folks, but I'm in denial! For many people--especially those who are in school or have children, fall begins right after the Labor Day weekend. For me, fall will not begin until the actual autumnal equinox. :)

The equinoxes in ancient religions and faiths were a time of honoring the balance of day and night, and also to bring on the oncoming cold or heat. During the fall equinox in ancient Greece, the Greater Eleusinian Mysteries in honor of Demeter and Persephone were held.

Today there are numerous Pagan faiths and mystical traditions which celebrate the Fall Equinox, and each have their own customs. Wiccans refer to this time of the year as Mabon, and you can read about it more here: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mabon.

If you do something special in the fall whether it's housecleaning, parties, spiritual contemplation, or putting away of the white clothing, what do you do? How do you mark the passing of the seasons?



Love & Magic,
-A

Fresh Start!

I love fall! Labor Day for me marks the end of summer and the beginning of a new season - bright colors, crisp days, leaves crunching under my feet, new smells, new places to go and people to meet.


Here at Midnight Seductions we’re celebrating fall with a month long Reader’s Retreat at CoffeeTime forums, where we’ll be hanging out all September long with covers, trailers, excerpts and of course prizes and conversation. Hope you’ll come join us!

October will usher in a month of hot short stories - “flashers,” we’re calling them - right here at our blogsite, one each day from a different author!


And then we’ll spend November gearing up for an all-out December party to celebrate our first anniversary! Tess MacKall and I formed the core author group in late November 2007 and launched Midnight Seductions in December. Keep your eyes on this spot for news of how we’re going to celebrate that!


Speaking of new - any time our authors have new releases, there’s always a party at our Mid night Seductions Reader Group. It’s a great place to hang out, meet our authors, get the scoop on what’s coming next, and maybe win a prize.

How about you? What do you love about fall?